Investment Q&A

Q: Hi 5i,
REGAL ENTERTAINMENT is really taking it on the chin lately. Here in Canada CGX isn't doing much better, is there a fundamental shift happening such as streaming video. I am a long term investor, basically set it and forget it, unless something bad is happening.
Regards,

Q: Good morning Peter and Team,

I just read about David Driscoll's recent appearance on BNN, where he summarizes his eight steps to a winning "investing recipe":

Here are eight steps to a winning recipe:

Low fees: The lower the fees, the more you make.
Low turnover: By investing in businesses and not trading stock prices, transaction costs stay low and you keep more of your capital for growth.
Invest in companies that consistently grow their free-cash flows: These companies have the financial flexibility to raise dividends, invest in innovation and make strategic acquisitions.
Diversify globally: Long-term returns outside North America have historically been one per cent to two per cent higher.
Re-balance the portfolio when necessary: Having a high concentration in one stock can lead to trouble if that company’s stock price crashes to Earth (i.e. Valeant).
Avoid correlated assets: In 2008, all the Canadian banks fell 40 per cent, not just one of them. Pick one Canadian bank and move on.
Manage your cash prudently: Given that the market has risen for eight years, it’s prudent to hold some cash to take advantage of opportunities if the market corrects.
Choose stocks with above-average annual dividend growth: The average growth rate of stocks globally is about seven per cent. Those that grow their dividends faster provide investors with greater income to use in retirement. Their share prices also tend to grow at a faster rate.

Seems to me that Mr. Driscoll must be a 5i member, since most, if not all, of his points have been mentioned from 5i over the years! In any event, it's always reassuring to see other financial types who share 5i's philosophy!

You may publish at your discretion. Thanks for everything you do to help the small retail investor!

Q: What would be a company to look at on the canadian stock markets in the lithium space?

Q: Would the Model Income portfolio be appropriate for a recent retiree with 4% income needs, adjusted for inflation over time? Would there be enough dividend growth to compensate for inflation? I am not conservative by nature, but realize that without employment income, I cannot accept the potentially large volatility of an all equity portfolio as in the past when I was working.

Thanks

Q: Hi. I am presently rebalancing my daughter's RDSP. She currently has three stocks (BCE, BNS and PPL) as well as TD Canadian equity and TD US Equity. I would like to add more stocks to her plan and, perhaps, reduce the TD Canadian Equity. Could you please suggest four stocks for consideration? Thanks, JR

Q: with my book value of $5000+ for CRH do you think it is worth holding on or just take the loss and go forward. Thank you

Q: I have some extra cash and would like to add to GUD, KXS or AIF. What is your preference between these three currently? Thanks!

Q: I am down considerably on CGX (missed 5i selling?). Watching BNN today where the person is short CGX. This raised the question, are the shorts likely to be able to wreak havoc on this stock as they have so many?

Thanks

Q: Hi, I would like to initiate an investment in Facebook, expect a "large degree of volatility and...have a long time horizon" (from the preface to your growth portfolio). What percentage of my portfolio would you suggest I allocate to FB? Thanks, Rod.

Q: The Canadian Securities Institute offers a non-licensed course for Investors. I was wondering if it is worthwhile taking.

Q: Can I have your thoughts on this company, is the dividend safe?

Thanks

Q: In 5iResearch’s investment portfolios I understand how the “Since Inception Return” & “Yield” columns are calculated, but not for the “Monthly Return” & “YTD Return” columns. Could you please explain how the “Monthly Return” & “YTD Return” columns are calculated. Thanks.
… Cal

Q: Hi, could I get your opinion on a diversified ETF selection for a non registered account.
I was thinking of 3-6 ETF's with a 4-5% dividend and to preserve capital as best as possible. This will be for a long term hold for retirement income. If I can get the same performance with 2-3 ETF's that would be fine.
Thanks for the help

Q: Two questions: Can you recommend a simple/small set of low-fee ETFs for a young, long-term investor for a TFSA, and one for an RRSP? (If not the same.)

Thanks very much.

Q: Hello, would you classify all of the following as industrials? My weighting (in order shown with highest first) is 24% so if they are all industrials I need to trim. I assume you'd get rid of DRT. If I also would get rid of another I could bump up my ZCL. (I feel comfortable at 20% weighting so if I've mis-categorized I may not need to do anything).

SIS
NFI
utx (US)
gps
wsp
bip.un
drt
zcl
pte

Q: For coverage of Developed Europe, which of these two ETF's is preferred.

VE has a better dividend than ZEA , your comments please

Q: Any comments on the latest acquisitions and valuation of MRC. I have held this for a very long time but the valuation always seems to lag the sector. Besides the fact that is very choppy and a thin trader. Your thoughts?

Q: What do you think of FIZZ (National Beverage)? It looks like the stock has been growing wildly for the past five years.

Q: Although recognizing the potential of Envidia I have chosen to take profits and move on. I don't wish to Abandon the semiconductor space and as a result am looking at ON. Recognizing this is a US company I would appreciate your thoughts.
Thanks

Q: Considering the company's recent financial results and future prospects, what are the most compelling reasons:
- to continue holding the shares?
- to sell the shares now?
Thanks